Statements and Releases

March 18, 2009

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/18/09

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Susan Burk, Special Representative of the President, with the rank of Ambassador, State Department; Raphael Bostic, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Michelle J. DePass, Assistant Administrator for International Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency; Cynthia J. Giles, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Environmental Protection Agency; Michael L. Connor, Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Scott Blake Harris, General Counsel, Department of Energy; and Joseph C. Szabo, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation.

March 18, 2009

President Obama Announces Major General Scott Gration as U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan

Today, I am pleased to join Secretary Clinton in announcing the appointment of Major General J. Scott Gration as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan. General Gration’s personal and professional background, and his service to the country as both a military leader and a humanitarian, give him the insights and experience necessary for this assignment.

March 18, 2009

Readout on the President's Meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

The President had a robust and strategic meeting with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus today on the topic of immigration. The meeting lasted approximately one hour.

March 18, 2009

Background on California's Economic Situation

As the President travels to California, the Council of Economic Advisors has compiled some facts that illustrate the impact of the economic crisis on workers and their families in California.

March 17, 2009

Presidential Nominations & Withdrawal Sent to the Senate

William Craig Fugate, of Florida, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, vice R. David Paulison.

March 17, 2009

President Obama Announces Key State Department Appointment

Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Rose Gottemoeller for Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance.

March 17, 2009

Readout of the President's Meeting with Cardinal George

Today the President met in the Oval Office with His Eminence, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago and President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

March 17, 2009

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate 3/17/09

Nominations sent to the Senate: William V. Corr, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, vice Tevi David Troy, resigned. Kathleen Sebelius, of Kansas, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.

March 17, 2009

Message to the Congress from the President concerning exports to China

In accordance with the provisions of section 1512 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261), I hereby certify to the Congress that the export of fine grain graphite to be used for solar cell applications and for the fabrication of components used in electronic and semiconductor fabrication, and two dual-motor, dual-shaft mixers to be used to produce carbon fiber and epoxy prepregs for the commercial airline industry is not detrimental to the U.S. space launch industry, and that the material and equipment, including any indirect technical benefit that could be derived from these exports, will not measurably improve the missile or space launch capabilities of the People's Republic of China.

March 17, 2009

Presidential Nomination Sent to the Senate 3/17

Nomination sent to the Senate : David F. Hamilton, of Indiana, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, vice Kenneth F. Ripple, retired.

Briefing Room